Sadly, most Americans recall the name of this city from Kurt Vonnegut's novel, Slaughterhouse-Five. He was a POW in Dresden during the firebombing of World War II in which 75% of this city was destroyed. Until 1989, much of the war rubble of bombed buildings was left untouched by the government.
The Soviet's demanded that East Germany pay back Soviet's for their war expenses as well as pay for the whole of Germany--even the west.
Today, as you can see, the infrastructure of Dresden is greatly improved. Modernization along with Dresden's grand architectural history is once again turning heads of tourists and this city's residents--some 500,000. I took time to leave the train station and walk into Old Town, visit the Elbe River, and enjoy just a taste of what this city promises. It won't be my last visit, because I am headed back in a just a few weeks when I'll have more time to rent a bicycle and explore this new and old place.
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